EMS Handbook

[prmdc_girl91]

The other night someone showed me this little handbook she had (it's maybe twice the height of a deck of cards and a little thicker than one deck) that was pretty much a little cheat book...it had the names of drugs and what they do, ventilation rates, just all that kind of stuff. And now I can't remember what it was called. She said you can only get them from the states. So my question first of all is does anyone know the name of this? Second, does anyone know of something similar in Canada or somewhere I could buy this handbook in Canada (ie a used one or whatever)?

Thanks!

[Zulu]

The other night someone showed me this little handbook she had (it's maybe twice the height of a deck of cards and a little thicker than one deck) that was pretty much a little cheat book...it had the names of drugs and what they do, ventilation rates, just all that kind of stuff. And now I can't remember what it was called. She said you can only get them from the states. So my question first of all is does anyone know the name of this? Second, does anyone know of something similar in Canada or somewhere I could buy this handbook in Canada (ie a used one or whatever)?

Thanks!

Something like this ...

http://www.amazon.com/EMS-Field-Guide-ALS-Version/dp/1890495212

There are a couple more if you scroll down ... "Customers who bought this item also bought ..."

[Mayo]

I picked up something similar at a University bookstore maybe give that a try there are a ton of different ones everything from a quick reference for EMR to the complete drugs for MD's

[prmdc_girl91]

Aha! This was it http://www.amazon.com/EMS-Field-Guide-Intermediate-Informed/dp/1890495301/ref=pd_sim_b_5 . Thanks so much!

Has anyone used this or another one, I mean, do they come in handy in the "real world"?

[dentedhead]

Aha! This was it http://www.amazon.com/EMS-Field-Guide-Intermediate-Informed/dp/1890495301/ref=pd_sim_b_5 . Thanks so much!

Has anyone used this or another one, I mean, do they come in handy in the "real world"?

First shouldnt you go to school and become a paramedic.

These are field guides not study guides,IMHO they are crap.

We had little prompt cards we clipped on out pocket or whatever I only used mine to double check dosing if I was unsure.There is no time to reference books or charts when you are dealing with real people,it dosent look too professional either.If you are niot sure thats why you have a partner and a base hospital to patch with.

These are most likely also geared to US standards.

Dentedhead

[prmdc_girl91]

First shouldnt you go to school and become a paramedic.
That's the plan.

These are field guides not study guides,IMHO they are crap.
I didn't plan to use them for studying.


We had little prompt cards we clipped on out pocket or whatever I only used mine to double check dosing if I was unsure.
That's kinda what this is. I'll admit there does seem to be quite a bit of info that I'd really hope that any EMR/EMT/Paramedic that was looking after me would know (ie. the skeleton, or CPR rates or whatever, I didn't get a real good look at the book). I'm not sure if the dosing is in there, but I know it does have what certain drugs are. So yes, some of it should be common knowledge and I'm not sure why it's in there, but I like the idea of having a reference for the stuff you don't encounter everyday, you know?

There is no time to reference books or charts when you are dealing with real people,it dosent look too professional either.
I actually thought about that too, but I guess it beats being stuck without any info. I'm sure it comes in handy when filling out PCR's too?

These are most likely also geared to US standards.
I asked about that and she said they were the same

Someone else I know has one too (not exactly the same, but seemed to be the same kind of idea) that was from his department, so obviously they aren't "taboo" (1 "b" or 2??). I'm not trying to skimp out on studying or take the easy road or whatever, but I know there's going to be certain drugs I'm not going to have heard of or whatever, you know?

[dentedhead]

That's the plan.....Good


I didn't plan to use them for studying......Never implied you were just making a point since you asked about them


That's kinda what this is. I'll admit there does seem to be quite a bit of info that I'd really hope that any EMR/EMT/Paramedic that was looking after me would know (ie. the skeleton, or CPR rates or whatever, I didn't get a real good look at the book). I'm not sure if the dosing is in there, but I know it does have what certain drugs are. So yes, some of it should be common knowledge and I'm not sure why it's in there, but I like the idea of having a reference for the stuff you don't encounter everyday, you know.... If you come across a drug you are unfamiliar with ask the pt why they take it,most pts are quite well informed about their Rx's,if the pt is unconcious it dont really matter does it?When you get to the ER look the med up in the CPS.


I actually thought about that too, but I guess it beats being stuck without any info. I'm sure it comes in handy when filling out PCR's too?....In ont all short forms pt classifiocation et are on the back of the ACR most likely the same where you are too.The MOH are very anal on how forms are filled out your proivider prolly will be too,remember if it isnt charted it hasnt been done.


I asked about that and she said they were the same

Someone else I know has one too (not exactly the same, but seemed to be the same kind of idea) that was from his department, so obviously they aren't "taboo" (1 "b" or 2??). I'm not trying to skimp out on studying or take the easy road or whatever, but I know there's going to be certain drugs I'm not going to have heard of or whatever, you know?....Never said they were taboo,I just gave my opinion on them liek you asked for. As you progress in the profession you will find all that unnecessary crap you strapped to yourself when you were new was all just for show and a security blanket.All you need is a good quality stethescope,a pair of good scissors and common sense!

Dentedhead

[FLASHOVER05]

They are nice to review with, I had one for the Meds list, working in patient transfers years ago it helped me understand what conditions a patient had, especially when they had no information, were unresponsive or only had a MARS sheet.

there are others out there, one for homeland, firefighting and others

[irsmith]

EMS, BLS, Fire Rescue, Nurse... all the Informed field guides are available in Canada from morrison fire protection.

[Mayo]

They are nice to reference when you are dispatched to something you don't go to often. They may be a crutch for the new guys but we are all new at some time and any help we receive only makes us stronger. I also found them to be useful in filling out PCR's hey what ever you need to get a start in this profession is fair game. I just hope when I'm a crouchety old man like dentedhead I have enough experience under my growing belt to not need things like these any more LMAO.

[dentedhead]

They are nice to reference when you are dispatched to something you don't go to often. They may be a crutch for the new guys but we are all new at some time and any help we receive only makes us stronger. I also found them to be useful in filling out PCR's hey what ever you need to get a start in this profession is fair game. I just hope when I'm a crouchety old man like dentedhead I have enough experience under my growing belt to not need things like these any more LMAO.

I am neither crotchety,old(debatable) or claim to know everything.I figure when Humber college the province of Ontario and the TOEMS training division felt I was capable. I dont think I really needed a book with anatomical pictures or lists of proprietary or trade name drugs.

I dont fault anyone who wants to use them thats their bidnis.An opinion was requested I gave one,since it runs contraray to the majority or it is percieved as being nasty.Wrong again sporto!!

BTW I wear the same size belt I did in 1982,pant size is +2 belt is the same.

Dentedhead

[irsqyu]

belt is the same

That's cause you dint use the belt to carry all those little dodads, pouches and other fancy paraphernalia that all the new medics carry!!;)

BTW there is one paramedic I know quite well that is into all the electronic gadgets, he carries all the pertinent info( drugs etc) on some sort of device, palm pilot, blackberry or Iphone(present device). I believe there is software available for this.

[dentedhead]

That's cause you dint use the belt to carry all those little dodads, pouches and other fancy paraphernalia that all the new medics carry!!;)

BTW there is one paramedic I know quite well that is into all the electronic gadgets, he carries all the pertinent info( drugs etc) on some sort of device, palm pilot, blackberry or Iphone(present device). I believe there is software available for this.

A pair of penny cutters,a minimag and a sarcastic expression served me well for years in Parkdale.Throw in a decent littman for a weapon and we were off.

What is that medics name again?:p.I did see those lectronic gizmos becoming de'riguer near the end of my days,no where near as fancy as what is being run now.Hope it doesnt fall out of his pocket when he looks out the ambulance window:D

Dentedhead